Lionel Messi has signed a new contract with Inter Miami, extending his stay with the Major League Soccer club through the end of the 2028 season, MLS confirmed on Thursday.
“Official: Leo Messi will continue to be an MLS player with Inter Miami,” the league’s Spanish-language account posted on X. Inter Miami also shared a video of the 38-year-old signing the deal at a table in the middle of the team’s under-construction stadium, captioned simply: “He’s Home.”
Messi’s previous contract was due to expire at the end of the 2025 season, but an extension had long been considered a formality after reports last month indicated both sides had reached an agreement.
The new deal ensures the Argentine superstar will remain active well into and beyond the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023 following a difficult spell at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi has transformed the club’s fortunes.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and 2024 MLS MVP led Miami to the playoffs this season, finishing with 29 goals in 28 matches to claim the league’s Golden Boot after a hat-trick in a 5-2 win over Nashville SC.
Messi’s illustrious career includes 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions League crowns with Barcelona, two Copa America triumphs with Argentina, and the 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar.
With 114 international goals, he could make history by appearing in a record sixth World Cup next year—potentially alongside long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
In MLS, Messi has already become the fastest player to reach 40 goals and remains central to Inter Miami’s ambitions both domestically and globally.
